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Failed back surgery syndrome, (FBSS) is a term referring to the chronic and severe pain a patient can experience after unsuccessful surgery. FBSS affects up to 40 percent of patients who have had traditional open back or minimally invasive spine surgery. Often surgery is indicated for an identifiable source of pain due to pinched nerve root or an unstable and painful joint. However, back pain can have many causes and accurate identification of the source of pain is complicated. Too often, x-ray and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans do not correlate well with symptoms. Therefore, diagnostic injections are often warranted and assist in making the proper patient selection and spinal level for surgery.
ConditionCausesSymptomsDiagnosis, Treatment & Recovery
Failed back surgery syndrome can result from one of many causes such as:
Jobs that require repetitive movement, heavy labor lifting, coupled with poor back or lifting posture can lead to unwanted weakening and strain of the spinal disc and spinal column. The daily accumulative results on the spine in poor work conditions can result in a degenerative effect on the spine and expose the worker to the possible herniated or bulging disc.
Traumatic injuries to the spine often happen from a car accident, heavy lifting strain, and contact from physical sports or exercise. The repetitive motion and insult to the injury can start a degenerative disc cascade that can lead to a bulging or herniated disc. These types of injuries can cause symptomatic trauma to you back or neck.
Poor neck and back posture and lack of routine maintenance and exercise to strengthen your abdominal and back muscles, can also contribute to a bulging disc. Not protecting against poor lifting and posture habits while at work, home or play, can expose yourself to unwanted strains that can directly weaken you back and neck. A good example of poor posture is lifting mainly with your low back instead of keeping your back straight and using your legs to lift safely.
Degenerative disc disease, for some people, can be attributed to family genetics. The inherited risks for degenerative disc disease makes a person a high risk for a bulging or herniated disc as well as multiple level disc disease.
The pain associated with failed back syndrome varies depending on the surgical procedure performed and the conditions treated. The pain can range from a dull ache to sharp stabbing pain and may be localized to one area of the back or reach into the legs. Patients suffering from FBSS can experience any of the following symptoms:
Accurate and thorough diagnosis is key to selecting the best treatment options. The following is part of a comprehensive diagnostic workup:
Our Least Invasive Procedure patients’ can begin getting out of bed one hour after surgery and go home shortly afterwards. There will probably be some pain after the procedure and is usually localized to the incision site. Activity is gradually increased and patients can return to non-physical work as early as two weeks. Keep in mind just because there is less or no pain, always consult your physician before beginning any physical work.
Our Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery patients’ post-operative recovery is much longer and may involve overnight stay in the hospital. Once your pain in under control you can go home. Dr. Rodriguez will give you medication to control your pain while you recover at home.
At home, you will need to continue to rest. You will be instructed on how to gradually increase your activity. You may still need to take the pain medications for a while. However, pain and discomfort should begin to reduce within a couple of weeks after surgery. The doctor will discuss with you other techniques for reducing pain and increasing flexibility before you leave for home. MIS patients can return to non-physical work as early as four to six weeks. Spine fusion patients can return to non-physical work as early as two to three months.
Most patients can begin getting out of bed one hour after surgery and go home shortly afterwards. Activity is gradually increased and patients are typically able to return to work within a 1-2 weeks. There will probably be some pain after the procedure and is usually localized to the incision site. However, just because there is less or no pain, always consult your physician or orthopedic surgeon before beginning any physical work.
At home, you will need to continue to rest. You will be instructed on how to gradually increase your activity. You may still need to take the pain medications for a while. However, pain and discomfort should begin to reduce within a week after surgery. The doctor will discuss with you other techniques for reducing pain and increasing flexibility before you leave for home. The doctor will also discuss with you a time frame for when you can resume basic activities such as walking, driving and light lifting, and when you can return to more advanced activities such as physical labor, sports and yard work.
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Dr. Marco Rodriguez is a board-certified and fellowship trained orthopedic spine surgeon who specializes in compassionate care for spine patients utilizing least invasive and minimally invasive spine surgery techniques.
Kenner LA Office 3705 Florida Ave.Kenner, LA 70065
Baton Rouge Office 606 Colonial Dr Ste A Baton Rouge, LA, 70806
Spinal Injections
Endoscopic Rhizotomy
Artificial Disc Replacement
(504) 620-5520